"Dayne Walling's fresh agenda and emphasis on practical, community building is the right direction for Flint," said Keith Flynn, president of the young Dems.

The group also pointed to Walling's experience in Washington, D.C. and called him the "ideal candidate."

"Clearly, one of the things we have to do as a city is become a more attractive place to live for young people and families. So their support of my candidacy and my vision on how we bring opportunity back to Flint is especially gratifying," Walling said in the news release.